...The remembrance of the righteous is a blessing'. (Psalms 112:6)PEOPLE who live uprightly touch lives even after their departure. A case in point is Dr. Alex Uruemu Ibru, a doyen of the faith.The crowd that attended Alex Ibru's funeral service, yesterday, at All Saints Cathedral, Ughelli Diocese, testified further of man who lived a worthy life and was useful to God and humanity. Had the Scriptures not said: 'You are dust and to dust you will return' (Gen. 3v19), a protest might have been held to prevent Alex Ibru from departing this world, so that that he might continue with his good works. But he has gone to be with our Maker until the resurrection morning, when we shall meet to part no more.Uppermost, however, is the question: how would the legacies of Alex be kept alive'First, his family'Mrs. Maiden Ibru and the children' must ensure that the unity, which kept them together, all these years, is sustained. The death of the husband and father calls for sober reflection and commitment to the ideals Alex stood for. He was kind, charitable, deeply religious, a great entrepreneur and employer of labour. It might not be easy, but they should be encouraged. 'In a work you never did, God will give you the strength you never had'.Secondly, the Guardian Newspapers he founded in 1983, and which survived proscription, should be kept at its best. Thankfully, it was said of Alex: 'He never interfered in the running of the paper but allowed experts to do their thing, which they only knew how to do best'. This successful secret formula should be sustained. That pessimists think the Guardian Newspapers would become extinct with the exit of Alex calls for caution from management and commitment on the part of staff. The death of the Chairman is a monumental blow; I am persuaded, however, that the paper shall not go underground.Thirdly, the Ibru International Ecumenical Centre established by Alex in obedience to the heavenly vision he received shall continue to be aglow spiritually. As a place of spiritual rejuvenation and a serene environment where troubled souls receive solace from the throne of grace, it must continue to soar high.That Archbishop and Bishop of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, gather there to seek the face of God on their work for the year is not only commendable but also spiritually instructive. The gathering of such men of faith gladdens the hearts of God's people as psalmist exclaims: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who spread the gospel'. (Isa. 52:7)Alex realised the need for communion with God and went all out to establish the facility. Interestingly, Christian communities, organisations and denominations, within and without, have benefited from the centre's rich programmes.Alex, your memory shall not die. The people whose lives you touched shall keep the flag of your ideals flying.It is well.Ven. Onuoha, Rector, Ibru International Ecumenical Retreat Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State. www.ibrucentre.org
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